Gators Race for the Cure 5K

Published March 23rd, 2014

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GAINESVILLE- In the U.S. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Students at the University of Florida put together a 5K race to benefit breast cancer research. TV20's Lericia Harris talked to several survivors.

More than 200 participants lined up to run. Some to walk. But whatever method they choose, every step had a story. This step for hope. This step for faith. For the survivors present at Gators Race for the Cure 5K, their steps represented meaningful history.

"I was diagnosed through a regular routine mammogram and I opted for a mastectomy because of the strong family history and here I am," said breast cancer survivor Barbara Ortega.

Barbara Ortega is the mother of Elizabeth Ortega the mastermind behind the university's first 5K race for breast cancer.

"My mom is the third generation of breast cancer," stated race director Elizabeth Ortega. "Knowing that there was a need for Komen here, I definitely wanted to establish a Komen rep here."

According to statistics about 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it. This was the case for many survivors who ran including Cathy Sams and Laura Hays.

"I did all I could not to get it but my risk was very high. Thats why the screens are so important," Cathy Sams stated.

Fighting breast cancer wasn't easy but crossing the finish line made the journey all worth it. Gators Race for the Cure 5K raised about $8,000 for the Suzan G. Komen Foundation.